Salt and Health as of May 12, 2001

Salt and Health as of May 12, 2001

Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential chemical substance for the human body. The 0.9% sodium chloride content in body fluids is entirely dependent on dietary intake, and a certain amount of sodium chloride is fundamental to maintaining normal physiological functions; deficiency or insufficiency can lead to illness. However, excessive intake can cause a series of adverse reactions. Healthy individuals can maintain balance through physiological regulatory mechanisms, excreting excess sodium chloride; but in some diseased bodies, excess sodium chloride can exacerbate the condition. Dr. MesscⅠl at Qchsner Hospital in the United States reviewed medical literature from 1996 to 2000 and concluded that excessive sodium chloride intake increases platelet reactivity, promoting aggregation, thereby establishing a positive correlation between sodium intake and hypertension, stroke, and sudden death. The median 24-hour urinary sodium excretion is significantly correlated with mortality, body mass index (P=0.009), and alcohol consumption (P=0.008). The target organs of sodium include the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels; a high-salt diet can increase the burden on these organs, causing renal cell hypertrophy, increased renal tissue fibrosis, and reduced renal blood flow. Clinically, a high-salt diet can negate the anti-proteinuric effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Under high-salt conditions, brain tissue may experience increased vascular load, making stroke and sudden death more likely. In summary, the primary target organ for a high-salt diet is the vascular system throughout the body, and the effects of high salt on the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels are all mediated through the vasculature.